Reece Sibbald
St Helens Theatre Royal
Regal Entertainments
October 27-November 5, 2023;
Regal Entertainments brings family pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk to St Helens Theatre Royal this October half term.
Written by Theatre Royal regular Reece Sibbald and directed by Chantelle Nolan, it’s a fun-packed energetic show, that as ever offers families fantastic value for money.
From the colourful, neon costumes and sets to the enjoyably toe-tapping song and dance numbers, the show will feel like a welcome burst of sunshine as the autumn nights draw in.
The show features a hard-working cast of familiar faces from previous Regal pantos, proving it’s not just audience members who return time and time again.
Taking leading man duties as Jack is former X Factor and Eton Road star David Heath – who fittingly brings a boy-band charm to the role, with sharp dance moves and vocals. Maddie Hope Coelho is a nicely- independent Princess Jill.
Mark Two is a fabulously warm Dame Trott – showcasing one brilliant costume after another (all designed and made by Mark and his wife Dee). Audience favourite Lewis Devine returns as Simple Simon and the pair proves a crowd-pleasing comedy duo.
Jenna Sian O’Hara returns as Fairy Mary, bringing down-to-earth Lancashire charm and powerful vocals to the role. Her wicked counterpart Rachel Wood as Mrs Fleshcreep is equally strong vocally and brings a definite Cruella vibe to the baddie role.
Dynamix Performing Arts College provides the well-drilled ensemble dancers, who show off their skills in a range of excellent company numbers featuring a mix of musical theatre (Matilda, Half a Sixpence, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie) and pop (Queen, Tina Turner).
All the traditional panto elements are present (including some classics updated for the TikTok generation) and if the usual topical gags for the grown ups seem slightly lacking, younger audiences won't mind. Some of the risque humour seems a little closer to the bone than usual, but most of it will no doubt go over the heads of younger kids.
And yes, there is a pantomime cow, and a giant! Another very well done panto by Regal, who return to St Helens at Christmas with another panto, Aladdin.
Info and tickets here
